FEATHER RIVER COLLEGE
CURRICULUM HANDBOOK
PREPARED BY
OFFICE OF INSTRUCTION
Board Approved
IN DRAFT FORMAT – JUNE 2017
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I. Introduction to the Handbook and Curriculum Committee Function, Composition, and
Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................... 4
Purpose........................................................................................................................................ 4
Curriculum Committee Function and Composition .................................................................... 4
Curriculum Committee Responsibilities ..................................................................................... 5
II. California State Requirements for Course Approval ................................................................. 6
OVERVIEW OF THE CURRICULUM PROCESS .................................................................. 6
STANDARDS FOR DEGREE-APPLICABLE AND CREDIT COURSES ............................. 7
STANDARDS FOR NON-DEGREE APPLICABLE CREDIT COURSES (TITLE 5,
SECTION 55002) ....................................................................................................................... 7
STANDARDS FOR NONCREDIT COURSES (EDUCATION CODE 84757) ....................... 8
COURSE OUTLINE OF RECORD AS A LEGAL DOCUMENT ........................................... 8
III. The Curriculum Development and Approval Process ............................................................ 10
INITIAL STEPS IN COURSE DEVELOPMENT OR REVISION ........................................ 10
WRITING THE COURSE OUTLINE OF RECORD (COR) .................................................. 10
REVISING THE COURSE OUTLINE OF RECORD............................................................. 11
FULL REVIEW BY THE CURRICULUM COMMITTEE: SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES ... 11
APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: MINOR CHANGES ..................................... 11
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY/NO ACTION: TECHNICAL CHANGES ............................ 12
IV. Components of the Course Outline of Record (COR) ............................................................ 13
INTEGRATED COURSE OUTLINE ...................................................................................... 13
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COURSE OUTLINE AND SYLLABUS ........................... 13
PREFIX AND COURSE NUMBER ........................................................................................ 13
COURSE TITLE ....................................................................................................................... 14
TITLE 5 CATEGORY .............................................................................................................. 16
COURSE DESCRIPTION FOR CATALOG ........................................................................... 17
HOURS, UNITS, AND WEEKS .............................................................................................. 17
REPEATABILITY ................................................................................................................... 18
COURSE REPETITION FOR LEGALLY MANDATED TRAINING .................................. 19
STUDENT PREPARATION: PREREQUISITES, CO-REQUISITES, AND ADVISORIES 19
LIMITS ON ENROLLMENT .................................................................................................. 21
ASSIGNMENTS....................................................................................................................... 21
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES AND COURSE OBJECTIVES ................................. 22
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION ............................................................................................. 22
TEXTBOOKS ........................................................................................................................... 24
DISTANCE EDUCATION CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................... 25
APPROVAL AND DATES ...................................................................................................... 25
ARTICULATION AND CERTIFICATION INFORMATION ............................................... 25
COURSE DELETION .............................................................................................................. 26
COURSE SUSPENSION/REINSTATEMENT ....................................................................... 26
Appendix A: Summary of Articulation Process and Timeline ..................................................... 27
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I. Introduction to the Handbook and Curriculum Committee
Function, Composition, and Responsibilities
Purpose
This handbook is to provide information to faculty and staff for developing courses and programs,
writing course outlines, navigating through the course and program approval process, and
understanding the state requirements, which dictate the community college curriculum.
Curriculum Committee Function and Composition
Title 5 requires that all courses and programs be first approved by a college committee:
§ 55002 (1) Curriculum Committee. The college and/or the district recommending the course
shall be established by mutual agreement of the college and/or district administration and the
academic senate. The committee shall be either a committee of the academic or a committee
that includes faculty and otherwise comprised in a way that is mutually agreeable to the college
and/or district administration and the academic senate.
The Academic Senate’s document, The Curriculum Committee, states:
The curriculum committee reviews and recommends courses and programs functioning under
policies and procedures set by the academic senate (either through primary advice to or
mutual agreement with the board.) The composition of the curriculum committee is agreed
upon mutually even if for other curriculum policies and procedures the board relies primarily
upon the senate. The board approves courses and programs recommended directly by the
curriculum committee and with assurance of the academic senate that established policies and
procedures have been reviewed and followed.
The primary function of the Curriculum Committee is to foster faculty leadership and student
participation in the curriculum decision-making processes. This committee examines proposals
submitted for adding or expanding, deleting, or modifying programs and courses; evaluates courses and
programs in terms of their general education, transfer, and occupational purpose; and makes
recommendations to the Academic Senate on submitted proposals.
The college’s Academic and Classified Senates appoint and approve the faculty and staff
representatives while other members serve on this committee meeting by virtue of their position.
According to the college’s administrative procedure, AP 4020, the Curriculum Committee
membership includes ten members, eight of whom are voting members:
Chair, Division of Professional & Technical Studies
Chair, Division of Arts & Sciences
Academic Senate President (Ex-Officio Member)
Articulation Officer
Two Faculty selected by Academic Senate
Classified Staff Representative (Advisor/Counselor)
Associated Student Body President (or designee)
Dean of Instruction (or designee) (non-voting except in cases of a tie vote)
College Registrar (non-voting)
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The committee meets every first and third Wednesday of each month during the academic year
from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm and the meeting room will be designated at the beginning of each
semester. Additional meetings may be held on an as needed basis. The agendas and minutes are
prepared and distributed by the Office of Instruction. All agenda items are to be submitted to the
Instruction Office at least one week prior to the scheduled meeting.
Curriculum Committee Responsibilities
The Curriculum Committee is a standing committee that is charged with guaranteeing that all
courses and programs meet the standards for approval stated in Title 5 and the Chancellor’s
Program and Course Approval Handbook. The committee’s responsibilities include determining
approval/denial of all new and revised courses, programs certificates and majors,
recommendations from advisory committees, interpreting and communicating all curriculum
standards and requirements to the college, consulting with faculty who are developing and revising
courses and programs, and maintaining communication with the Academic Senate.
The submission of proposed and revised course outlines, distributing course outlines, followingup after the approval process, keeping records of all agendas and committee actions, and
submitting all information or form(s) to the State will be the responsibilities of the Office of
Instruction.
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II. California State Requirements for Course Approval
OVERVIEW OF THE CURRICULUM PROCESS
Curriculum development and approvals rest with the Curriculum Committee, the Dean of
Instruction, the Academic Senate, the College President, the District Board of Trustees, and the
State Board of Governors. All courses and programs must meet five basic criteria and those
standards as stated in the most recent version of the Chancellor’s Office Program and Course
Approval Handbook (PCAH), General Guidelines and Information.
A. Appropriateness to Mission.
Programs and courses must be congruent with the mission statement and master
plan of the college and district; must be directed at the appropriate level for
community colleges; must address a valid transfer, occupational, basic skills, civic
education, or lifelong learning purpose; and must provide distinct instructional
content and specific instructional objectives.
B. Justification.
Proposed programs and courses must be justified in their ability to support existing
curriculum or to provide new curriculum that meets the academic and vocational
needs of students.
C. Curriculum Standards.
Title 5 mandates that all credit and noncredit curriculum must be approved by the
college’s curriculum committee and district governing board (pursuant to chapter
6, subchapter 2, and beginning with section 55100). Title 5, section 55130(b)(8)E,
also requires that credit programs must be reviewed by Career Technical Education
Regional Consortia when applicable. The proposed program or course must also
be consistent with requirements of accrediting agencies as applicable. When a
college is seeking program approval, the Chancellor’s Office requires that the
college provide a description of the local approval process, along with supporting
documentation from advisory committees, local industry, and transfer institutions.
D. Adequate Resources.
The college must demonstrate that it has the resources to realistically maintain the
program or course at the level of quality described in the proposal. This includes
funding for faculty compensation, facilities and equipment, and library or learning
resources. The college must also demonstrate that faculty are available to sustain
the proposed required course(s) and to facilitate student success. The college must
have the resources needed to offer the course(s) at the level of quality described in
the COR. The college must commit and programs must be prepared to offer all of
the required courses for the program at least once every two years, unless the goals
and rationale for the particular program justify a longer time frame as being in the
best interests of students.
E. Compliance.
The design of the program or the course must not conflict with any law, including
state and federal laws, both statutes and regulations. Laws that particularly affect
community colleges, as well as any other laws that may affect the program or
course, such as licensing laws in a particular occupation, need to be considered.
STANDARDS FOR DEGREE-APPLICABLE AND CREDIT COURSES
The curriculum committee approves all degree-applicable credit courses based on the following
standards:
A. Grading Policy.
This is based on uniform standards pursuant to title 5, section 55023, that
demonstrates proficiency in subject matter by means of written communication,
problem solving, and/or skills demonstrations, as appropriate to the course content.
B. Units.
This is based on a relationship specified by the governing board in compliance with
title 5, section 55002.5, which requires a minimum of 48 hours of lecture,
laboratory, out-of-class assignments, or other types of study for one unit of credit.
For each hour of lecture, the course requires two hours of study and/or laboratory
and/or assigned activity. Laboratory courses, however, may require minimal work
outside of class scheduled meeting time.
C. Intensity and Rigor.
As evidenced by the outline of course topics, course objectives, assignments,
assessments, and reading materials identified in the COR. Achieving the objectives
of degree-applicable credit courses must require students to study independently
outside of class time. There is an expectation that students will spend two hours
outside of class for each hour of lecture.
D. Prerequisites and Co-requisites.
Required preparation for success in the course as determined by the curriculum
committee in compliance with title 5, section 55003.
E. Basic Skills Requirements.
These requirements may include eligibility to enroll in specific English and/or
mathematics courses as determined by an approved assessment method using
multiple measures.
F. Critical Thinking.
The course requires critical thinking, and the understanding and application of
concepts at the college level.
G. Level.
The course requires learning skills and a vocabulary appropriate for a college
course.
STANDARDS FOR NON-DEGREE APPLICABLE CREDIT COURSES (TITLE 5,
SECTION 55002)
All non-degree credit courses must meet specific standards very similar for Associate Degree
credit courses. The types of courses that are non-degree applicable credit courses fall within one
of the following categories:
A. Non-degree applicable basic skills courses as defined in subdivision (j) of section 55000.
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B. Courses designed to enable students to succeed in degree applicable credit courses including
but not limited to college orientation and guidance courses, discipline-specific preparatory courses
which integrate basic skills instruction throughout and assign grades partly upon mastery of those
skills.
C. Pre-collegiate career technical preparation courses designed to provide foundation skills for
students preparing for entry into degree applicable credit career technical courses or programs.
D. Essential occupational courses for which meeting the standards above are neither necessary
nor required.
STANDARDS FOR NONCREDIT COURSES (EDUCATION CODE 84757)
These noncredit courses must meet specific standards very similar for Associate Degree credit
courses and fall within one of the following categories:
A. Parenting, including parent cooperative preschools, classes in child growth and development
and parent-child relationships.
B. Elementary and secondary basic skills and other courses and classes such as remedial academic
courses or reading, mathematics, and language arts.
C. English as a Second Language, ESL.
D. Classes or courses for immigrants eligible for educational services in citizenship, English as a
Second Language, and workforce preparation classes in basic skills of speaking, listening, reading,
writing, mathematics, decision-making and problem solving skills, and other classes required for
preparation to participate in job-specific technical training.
E. Education programs for substantially handicapped persons.
F. Short-term vocational programs with high employment potential including apprenticeships.
G. Education programs for older adults.
H. Education programs for home economics or also known as Family and Consumer Sciences.
I. Health and safety education.
COURSE OUTLINE OF RECORD AS A LEGAL DOCUMENT
Title 5 requires that every course outline be presented by a Course Outline of Record (COR), an
official public document approved by the curriculum committee, the Academic Senate, the Board
of Trustees, and the Chancellor’s Office. Course Outlines of Record are legal documents
containing course instruction information and it must be evident in the COR that all Title 5
standards are met.
Furthermore, the course outline of record states the student learning outcomes, the course
objectives and its content, and level of rigor for which students and faculty will be held
accountable; provides the basis for determining the degree of preparation (prerequisites, corequisites, and/or advisories) that students need to advance successfully through a series of
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courses; ensures consistent, quality instruction (from instructor to instructor, section to section,
and year to year) in the classroom by clearly identifying standards and content of the course to be
taught while providing flexibility for individual instruction; plays a critical role in the on-going
process of program review by which the college seeks to keep its curriculum relevant and to
allocate its resources sufficiently to maintain its programs; demonstrates that all of the required
components, as specified in Title 5, are present in the course to the required degree of rigor; serves
as documentation of the college’s academic standards and quality for accreditation. Additionally,
the course outline of record is an essential element in the transfer process because it is submitted
for approval as meeting California State University General Education (CSU/GE) breadth
requirements and for inclusion in the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
(IGETC) and is the basis for evaluation of the transferability of courses and evidence of their
equivalence to those courses offered at the four-year institutions.
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III. The Curriculum Development and Approval Process
The following sequence should be adhered to when creating or revising a course. All steps are
essential to make sure that the course meets State approved standards as well as, when appropriate,
requirements for occupational programs, regulating agencies, and/or transfer institutions.
INITIAL STEPS IN COURSE DEVELOPMENT OR REVISION
A. Discussion and Research.
The development of any new courses or the revision of an existing course should begin
with dialogue and research within the department and should involve collegial discussion.
B. New or Revised Courses.
It is important to determine whether a similar course already exists or has existed because
it may be more efficient to substantially revise an existing course or reinstate a previously inactive
course. According to Title 5, certain types of revisions to an existing course may change the course
so significantly that a new course proposal is required.
C. Terminating or deactivating a Course.
Sometimes it may be necessary to terminate or deactivate certain courses from the current
inventory. Termination means that the course and the course number may never be used again;
deactivation means that the course may be resurrected or revised in the future. Course outlines
that are terminated or deactivated remain in the database, but the numbers can never be applied to
any other course in the discipline.
WRITING THE COURSE OUTLINE OF RECORD (COR)
The steps listed below represent the typical sequence of events:
1. For new vocational courses, the advisory committee for the program should review and
approve new course proposals before submission to the Office of Instruction.
2. After consultation with the appropriate Division Chair, the faculty member completes the
required course outline of record in the curriculum-management system (e.g., Curricunet) and
launches it for subsequent review into the curriculum-approval workflow. Course outlines that
list required or recommended courses for student preparation must address how the preparation
supports the target course. Other information that may be required for the course such as
considerations related to offering the course through distance education must be addressed in
the COR.
3. Upon being launched by the originator, the course will be reviewed according to the
curriculum-approval workflow and will include action by the Curriculum Committee.
4. All course outline proposals will appear first as discussion items for review; when all points
have been clarified, at this or subsequent meetings, the item then goes on the consent or
discussion action agenda. The Curriculum Committee, after discussion, takes action to
approve, disapprove or table the proposal. During this review process, the originator of the
proposed course outline should attend the meeting to answer any questions about the outline.
However, submission of a detailed written rationale may alleviate the need to attend the
Curriculum Committee meeting. In the absence of the originating faculty member, the
Division Chair will assume this role.
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5. All actions taken by the Committee will be noted in the minutes. The Curriculum Committee
shall give notice of its recommendations to the Academic Senate which will forward its
recommendation to the Superintendent/President in a timely fashion.
6. Approved curriculum items requiring District Board of Trustees' approval are transmitted to
the Superintendent/President for placement on the Board agenda.
7. If approved by the Board of Trustees, the Office of Instruction forwards appropriate items to
the Chancellor’s Office of the California Community Colleges.
8. The Office of Instruction will take all appropriate steps to implement all actions approved by
the Board of Trustees and/or college approved items not requiring Board action.
9. Course outlines for all approved programs and courses will be reviewed and updated at least
every four (4) years.
REVISING THE COURSE OUTLINE OF RECORD
Because course outlines are to be updated every four years, the consideration and approval of
course outline revisions consumes a considerable amount of the Curriculum Committee’s time.
To streamline the course approval process, it should be recognized that not all changes in the
course outline of record are of equal impact. Full curriculum committee review should apply only
to those changes that require re-evaluation of criteria to assure that standards in Title 5 and the
Program and Course Approval Handbook continue to be met. To that end, the Academic Senate
suggests the following guidelines for curriculum committee action on proposed course changes.
FULL REVIEW BY THE CURRICULUM COMMITTEE: SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES
Full review means a complete analysis of the entire course outline of record by the complete
curriculum committee and a motion for approval by the full committee. The following substantive
changes should trigger a full review:
 major change in Catalog Description, Objectives, or Content which
 alters the need or justification for the course
 calls into question the ability of the course to meet standards in Title 5 or
the Program and Course Approval Handbook
 change in units and hours
 change in number of repetitions
 change in credit/noncredit status
 change in prerequisites, co-requisites and advisories
 change in modality, e.g. distance education (requires a separate review process)
 delivery in a highly compressed time frame
 offering a course in experimental status
 determination of imminent need to initiate expedited approval
APPROVED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: MINOR CHANGES
Changes which do not affect statutory or regulatory curriculum standards, but require judgment of
the extent to which this is true, can be placed on the consent agenda for full committee vote. It is
recommended that a prior review take place to ensure that the course changes are such that
standards are not affected. At most colleges, this review can be done by division faculty or a
technical review subcommittee of the curriculum committee, but should not be just an
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administrative review. Members of the full curriculum committee are expected to read the revised
and previous course outlines and the accompanying rationale. They may pull the item from the
consent agenda for discussion if necessary. Otherwise, no comment is needed prior to a full
committee vote.
It is recommended that the following minor changes to the course outline of record be approved
on the consent agenda as recommended either by vote of the division faculty or the technical
review subcommittee:
 minor, non-substantive changes in Catalog Description, Objectives, or Content (see
above)
 change in course number (within college policy)
 change in course title
 add/drop from an associate degree or certificate program (must continue to be of two
year or less
 duration)
 add/drop from the associate degree general education list.
INFORMATION ITEM ONLY/NO ACTION: TECHNICAL CHANGES
It is recommended that the following changes be accepted as information items only, with no action
required, upon the advice of the division/departmental faculty or technical review committee.
Technical changes include:
 non-substantial changes in term length (as long as the Carnegie relationship is maintained)
 changes in the Text and/or Instructional Materials
 changes in the sections on Methods of Instruction, Assignments, or Methods of Evaluation
(as long as these changes are minor, they continue to enable students to meet objectives,
they fully cover the stated content, and they would not trigger the need for a separate review
re-evaluation such as is required for ensuring regular effective contact in distance
education), and
 addition of a focus area to a special topics course.
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IV. Components of the Course Outline of Record (COR)
INTEGRATED COURSE OUTLINE
As mentioned, the course outline must include essential information about a course, as specified by
Title 5. This section of the handbook will provide guidelines on how each component of the COR
should be written to accurately represent how the course meets and complies with the State’s standards.
The components should work together to reflect the integrity of the course. Specifically, this means
that college-level critical thinking and the basic theory and concepts of the discipline are evident
throughout the course outline. This critical thinking and course content should be clearly specified in
the student learning outcomes, objectives, level of content, rigor of assignments and how they are
evaluated, and through proper textbook choice. It is important that student learning outcomes are
clearly supported by objectives, that the content listed in the Topics section must relate to the SLOs
and objectives, and that assignments reflect and assess students’ achievement of the SLOs and
objectives.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COURSE OUTLINE AND SYLLABUS
Although the COR and the syllabus may contain similar information, they have different functions
in the institution. The course outline gives the basic components and requirements of the course
that all instructors must teach. The COR serves as the basis for a “contract” among the student,
instructor, and the college identifying the expectations which will serve as the basis of the student’s
grade and giving fundamental required components of the course to enable any student, who
successfully completes all of the assigned work prescribed in the outline, to successfully meet the
course objectives.
A syllabus describes how an individual instructor will carry out the terms of the COR through
specific assignments. Syllabi give specific dates, grading standards, and other rules of conduct.
PREFIX AND COURSE NUMBER
An official discipline prefix and number identify every course. The course number communicates
to students, counselors, instructors, and other institutions information such as the level,
transferability, relationship to other courses, and any special designations, such as noncredit or
independent study. The information below will assist you in selecting the number for a new course
(or series of courses) or confirming whether the existing number of a course you are revising is
still appropriate. Consult with the Class Scheduler in the Office of Instruction.
A. Discipline Prefix.
The discipline prefix of the course number, which can be up to 4 letters long, applies to all
courses within that discipline.
B. Selecting a Course Number.
Selecting a course number occurs in consultation with the Class Scheduler by reviewing
the complete list of approved and proposed courses in the discipline to ensure that an
appropriate number is selected. There may be an existing course that can be revised to serve
the “new” or redefined need. Also, since related courses should have related numbers, the
proposed course number should have a logical relationship to the numbers of other courses
in the department.
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COURSE TITLE
The Course Outline of Record lists two titles, the abbreviated title and the full title. The abbreviated
title appears in official registration printouts, grades, transcripts, and other listings related to
Admissions and Records. The full title is used in the FRC catalog, in the online descriptions, and
in the syllabus. The two versions of the titles should be similar.
For instance:
Example : CHEM 102
Abbreviated title: Gen. Chemistry
Full title: General Chemistry I
A. Abbreviated Title.
The abbreviated title should be as self-explanatory as possible. The title
should be similar to the full title, so use as many of those characters as necessary to achieve
this. When possible, the abbreviated titles of a series should follow a consistent pattern.
Example : Chemistry abbreviated titles
CHEM 100 INTRO. INORGANIC CHEM.
CHEM 102 GEN. CHEM. I
CHEM 104 GEN. CHEM. II
B. Full Title.
The full title should be a concise summary of the course, and it should clearly state the
course topic. It should not duplicate the title of any other course, though the titles of courses
in some sequences may differ only in the number indicating the place in the sequence.
Since the printed Schedule of Classes lists courses with titles but no descriptions, titles
should be as clear and concise as possible. If there is a sequence of courses, the full titles,
like the abbreviated titles, should be consistent.
Example : Chemistry Series
CHEM 100 Introductory Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 102 General Chemistry I
CHEM 104 General Chemistry II
CHEM 106 Introduction to Organic Chemistry
TOPS/CIP CODE REQUIREMENTS
Faculty members who develop NEW or REVISED curriculum MUST complete Title V course
outlines that include an accurate subject area TOP code (taxonomy of programs) AND CIP
code (classification of instructional programs). Outlines that are not complete will not be
reviewed by the Curriculum Committee.
o The Taxonomy of Program (TOP) is a system of numerical codes used at the state level
to collect and report information on programs and courses, in different colleges
throughout the state that have similar outcomes. EACH course should be given the
TOP code that comes closest to describing the course in the context of the academic
program under which the course is offered. For example: one college has a program
called “Mechanized Agriculture,” another has a program called “Agriculture
Engineering Technology,” and a third has one called “Agriculture Equipment
Operations & Maintenance.” Because they have similar outcomes, information on all
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three is collected and reported at the state level under TOP code 0116.00, which carries
the standardized title “Agricultural Power Equipment Technology.”
o Certain data collected by TOP codes must be converted to the system of classification
used by the U.S. Dept. of Education, which is called the Classification of Instructional
Programs (CIP). A “crosswalk table” from TOP to CIP is used for this purpose – see
Appendix B1 in link below.
TOP Code:
http://extranet.cccco.edu/Portals/1/AA/Credit/2013Files/TOPmanual6RevJune2012.pdf
COURSE CLASSIFICATION
Credit Courses
“Y” - Credit Course
Noncredit Courses
“J” - Workforce Preparation Enhanced Funding: Use code “J” if the course is part of an approved
noncredit program in the area of Workforce Preparation authorized by CCR Title 5. §55151.
“K” - Other Noncredit Enhanced Funding: Use code “K” if the course has been approved for noncredit
enhanced funding but does not meet the criteria for “J”.
“L” - Non-Enhanced Funding: Use code “L” if the course has not been approved for noncredit
enhanced funding.
SAM PRIORITY
“A” - Apprenticeship (offered to apprentices only)
The course is designed for an apprentice and must have the approval of the State of California,
Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Some examples of
apprenticeship courses are Carpentry, Plumbing and Electrician.
“B” - Advanced Occupational (not limited to apprentices)
Courses are those taken by students in the advanced stages of their occupational programs. A “B”
course is offered in one specific occupational area only and clearly labels its taker as a major in this
area. The course may be a “capstone course” that is taken as the last requirement for a career technical
education program. Priority letter “B” should be assigned sparingly; in most cases no more than two
courses in any one program should be labeled “B”. Each “B” level course must have a “C” level
prerequisite in the same program area. Some examples of “B” level courses are Dental Pathology,
Advanced Radiology Technology, Fire Hydraulics, Livestock and Dairy Selections, Real Estate
Finance, Cost Accounting.
“C” - Clearly Occupational (but not advanced)
Courses will generally be taken by students in the middle stages of their programs and should be of
difficulty level sufficient to detract “drop-ins”. A “C” level course may be offered in several
occupational programs within a broad area such as business or agriculture. The “C” priority, however,
should also be used for courses within a specific program area when the criteria for “B” classification
are not met. A “C” level course should provide the student with entry-level job skills. Some examples
of “C” level courses are Soils, Principles of Advertising, Air Transportation, Clinical Techniques,
Principles of Patient Care, Food and Nutrition, Sanitation/Safety, Small Business Management,
Advanced Keyboarding, Technical Engineering.
“D” - Possibly Occupational
“D” courses are those taken by students in the beginning stages of their occupational programs. The
“D” priority can also be used for service (or survey) courses for other occupational Programs. Some
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examples of “D” level courses are Technical Mathematics, Graphic Communications, Elementary
Mechanical Principles, Fundamentals of Electronics, Keyboarding (Beginning or Intermediate),
Accounting (Beginning).
“E” - Non-Occupational
These courses are non-occupational.
Note: These definitions are periodically revised by the CCCCO. Please see the Data Element
Dictionary for further details at…
http://extranet.cccco.edu/Divisions/TechResearchInfoSys/MIS/DED.aspx
SAM/PAC CODE REQUIREMENTS
PAC Code is the first 4 digits of the TOP code and should always match.
SAM codes (CB09) can be found in the data element dictionary by following the link below…
http://extranet.cccco.edu/Portals/1/TRIS/MIS/Left_Nav/DED/Data_Elements/CB/cb09.pdf
TITLE 5 CATEGORY
The COR must include the degree applicability, transfer level, grading options, repeatability, and
cross listing of a course. Several categories are listed here, and the selections should be based on
the type of course, as represented by its number and its role within the college. Each course bearing
unit credit may be used in one or more of the following ways: (1) as a method of developing
collegiate or pre-collegiate basic academic skills; (2) as a requisite to the Associate in Arts degree;
(3) as applicable either to the Associate in Arts degree or to an occupational certificate program;
and/or (4) as a lower division course transferable to a four-year college or university.
A. Title 5.
Courses at Feather River College are numbered according to their basic purposes although its
usefulness is not limited to one purpose
001-005: usually pre-collegiate, noncredit courses
006-099: usually associate-degree applicable, non-transferable credit courses
100-199: usually freshman level (transferable) and degree-applicable courses and
200-299: usually sophomore level (transferable) and degree-applicable courses and
300-399: usually junior level and degree-applicable courses
400-499: usually senior level and degree-applicable courses
Courses numbered 100-299 usually transfer to the state university and other college systems. In
addition, certain vocational programs may transfer to selected colleges and universities when the
student continues in the same major.
B. Transfer Level and Special Numbering.
The selections made in these sections should be compatible with the course number.
C. Grading.
Grading options are usually made at the departmental level:
• Credit Course for Grade or Pass/No Pass (P/NP)
• Credit Course Taken for P/NP Only
• Grade only
• Non-graded Credit Course
• Noncredit (does not give units or grades)
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D. Certificate/Major Applicable.
Select the appropriate category:
• Not Certificate/Major Applicable (i.e., Stand-Alone)
• Certificate Applicable Course
• Major Applicable Course
• Both Certificate and Major Applicable
E. “Also Listed As” (or Cross-Listing).
There are several ways to cross-list a course. Sometimes a course is intentionally
duplicated by two different departments to offer students a choice in how the course
appears on their transcripts. In this case, “Also listed as” will appear in the field and the
other course name.
F. “Formerly.”
If the “Formerly” field appears, it means that a previous version of this course had a
different number than the current version. This is not the same as cross-listing. A course’s
former number stay in the database forever, which may result in a long string of titles if a
course number or prefix has changed over the years.
COURSE DESCRIPTION FOR CATALOG
The course description for the catalog must contain sufficient details in a brief and concise manner to
convey the content of the course and to facilitate course articulation.
HOURS, UNITS, AND WEEKS
Title 5, Section 55002(a) 2B.
The course grants units of credit based upon a relationship specified by the governing board between
the number of units assigned to the course and the number of lecture and/or laboratory hours or
performance criteria specified in the course outline. The course also requires a minimum of three hours
of work per week, including class time, for each unit of credit, prorated for short-term laboratory and
activity courses.
Ed Code, Section 78206.
One credit hour of community college work is approximately three hours of recitation, study, or
laboratory work per week throughout a term of sixteen weeks. Where a term is more or less than
sixteen weeks, more or less than one credit hour shall be allowed in the same ratio that the length of
the term is to sixteen weeks (= the "Carnegie unit").
Guidelines for class hours and credit unit are as follows:
 Each lecture class hour is presumed to require two hours of study. Thus 1 hour lecture + 2 hours
study = 3 hours "recitation and study" = 1 unit of credit.

"Pure" laboratory hours are presumed to confine all student activity to the laboratory itself (i.e.,
homework is not a condition of laboratory experiences as it is with lecture hours). Thus, 3 hours
of laboratory = 1 unit of credit.

Laboratory hours which either regularly include lecture and/or homework as a condition of the
laboratory activities (as in writing laboratories or art studios) we have interpreted as combining
"recitation" or "study" and laboratory activities. In such cases, we have allowed the following:
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- 2 hours of laboratory + 1 hour lecture = 3 hours = 1 unit, OR
- 2 hours of laboratory + 1 hour recitation = 3 hours = 1 unit, OR
- 2 hours of laboratory or lecture/lab demonstration + 1 hour study = 3 hours = 1 unit.

Practicum, field, or clinical experience presumes five hours of weekly student activity as the
equivalent of three hours of classroom instruction/activity (laboratory) to equal one unit of credit.
Practicum, field, or clinical experience requires the student to perform psychomotor skills in an
applied situation on a repetitive basis. This experience is under general supervision while the
student is learning and is usually based upon demonstrated skill improvement or mastery.
REPEATABILITY
Course repetition at Feather River College is in accordance with the California Code of Regulations,
Title 5, Section 55000, et seq. Only courses which fall into the following categories may be repeated.
Enrollment in two sections of the same course is not permitted.
Circumstances for which a course can be designated as repeatable
Title 5, 55041(a):
(1) Courses for which repetition is necessary to meet the major requirements of CSU or UC for
completion of a bachelor’s degree. The governing board of a district must retain supporting
documentation that verifies that the repetition is necessary to meet the major requirements of
CSU or UC for completion of a bachelor’s degree. The supporting documentation must be
retained by the district as a Class 3 record basic to audit as required by section 59020 et seq.;
(2) Intercollegiate athletics, as defined in section 55000; and
(3) Intercollegiate academic or vocational competition, as defined in section 55000, where
enrollment in the course and courses that are related in content, as defined in 55000, is limited to
no more than four times for semester courses or six times for quarter courses. This enrollment
limitation applies even if the student receives a substandard grade or “W” during one or more of
the enrollments in such a course or petitions for repetition due to special circumstances as
provided in section 55045.
(b) The district must identify all courses which are repeatable and designate such courses in its
catalog.
Course repetition to alleviate a substandard grade
1. Courses in which a substandard grade (W, D, F, and/or NP/NC) was received may be repeated.
Students who wish to repeat a course in which a substandard grade was earned must complete a
Petition to Repeat a Course form and submit the form to the Admissions and Records Office for
processing.
Upon completion of the repeated course, the student's academic transcript shall then be annotated
reflecting exclusion of such courses for purposes of grade point calculation and for all
considerations associated with the awarding of certificates and degrees. However, previously
recorded course work shall neither be removed nor otherwise erased from the permanent record.
2. Courses in which a substandard grade (W, D, F, and/or NP/NC) was not received may be
repeated under special circumstances upon petition of the student and with written permission of
the Dean of Instruction. Special circumstances could include a long time lapse between the time
the course was first taken and the present time or the need to achieve a certain grade or prerequisite
18
for entrance into a program. The new grade will be noted on permanent records, but the originally
recorded grade will be used to calculate grade point average and in considerations associated with
the awarding of certificates or degrees.
NOTE: Some transfer institutions may elect to include both courses in their computation of the
grade point average to establish entrance requirements. See Education Code 56044 for Special
Class Course Repeatability.
COURSE REPETITION FOR LEGALLY MANDATED TRAINING
Title 5, Section 55763 (c)
In instances when course repetition is necessary for a student to meet a legally mandated training
requirement as a condition of continued paid or volunteer employment, these courses must
conform to all attendance accounting, course approval, and other requirements imposed by
applicable provisions of law. Such courses may be repeated for credit any number of times,
regardless of whether or not substandard work was previously recorded, and the grade received
each time shall be included for purposes of calculating the student’s grade point average.
STUDENT PREPARATION: PREREQUISITES, CO-REQUISITES, AND ADVISORIES
Many courses require a certain degree of preparation on the student’s part in order for the student to
succeed in the course. Thus, the determination of prerequisites, co-requisites, and advisories on
recommended preparation are made on a course-by-course basis, so the course submitter must specify
any prerequisites, co-requisites, or advisories. All prerequisites, co-requisites, and advisories on
recommended preparation require completing the requisites form in CurricUNET to the document
necessary knowledge and skills as well as the justification for the requirements.
The following definitions and guidelines are based on Title 5 and the Chancellor’s Office Program
and Course Approval Handbook.
As stated in §55000, these definitions are:
"Prerequisite" means a condition of enrollment that a student is required to meet in order
to demonstrate current readiness for enrollment in a course or educational program.
"Co-requisite" means a condition of enrollment consisting of a course that a student is
required to simultaneously take in order to enroll in another course.
"Advisory on recommended preparation" means a condition of enrollment that a student is
advised, but not required, to meet before or in conjunction with enrollment in a course or
educational program.
According to §55002 regarding prerequisites and co-requisites:
When the college and/or district curriculum committee determines, based on a review of
the course outline of record, that a student would be highly unlikely to receive a satisfactory
grade unless the student has knowledge or skills not taught in the course, then the course
shall require prerequisites or co-requisites that are established, reviewed, and applied in
accordance with the requirements of this article.
A. Establishing Prerequisites, Co-requisites, and/or Advisories. The method for establishing
prerequisites, co-requisites, and/or advisories varies according to the target course and the courses
that would provide the preparation. Detailed guidance can be found in the “Implementing content
review for communication and computation prerequisites” written by the Academic Senate for
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California Community Colleges in spring 2011.
1. Courses sequential within and across disciplines. Courses can have prerequisite or corequisite courses within the same discipline or program as deemed appropriate by the
submitter and department.
2. English and Math Advisories. For almost all courses outside of English or Math, the
level of language or math skills recommended for course success must be indicated with
an advisory of recommended preparation.
3. English and Math prerequisites. If a discipline requires that an English or a math
prerequisite is necessary for student success and would be highly unlikely to succeed
without these, then Title 5 regulations require the college to initiate formal research and to
document the need for the prerequisite.
4. Provisional prerequisites. If a validation study, as described above, is currently being
conducted, prerequisites are marked as provisional.
5. Standard prerequisites of Transfer Level Courses. If the course is similar to one taught
at a UC and/or CSU, the prerequisites or co-requisites can be established by providing
examples of three or more equivalent UC and/or CSU courses that have equivalent
prerequisites or co-requisites.
The justification process for Transfer Level Courses requires:
• Completing the requisites form in CurricUNET form(s)
Note: The terms “advisory” and “recommended preparation” are often used interchangeably to
refer to “advisories on recommended preparation.” Advisories identify courses or skills that will
support or deepen a student’s learning experience. They are not required for enrollment, and a
student may be able to succeed in the course without having completed the advisory course.
B. Program Prerequisites. Programs cannot have a separate admission process; students are
admitted to the college (open access) and enrolled in its courses. In some cases, a student must
also be accepted into a specific program, particularly impacted programs such as nursing.
Identifying those who have met the prerequisites for the program creates the pool of students
qualified to enroll in a program. If fewer seats are available for courses in the program than the
number of qualified students in the pool, a non-evaluative process (such as a lottery) must be used
to determine who will be in the classes.
C. Requisites form in CurricUNET. The relationship between a target course and its prerequisites,
co-requisites, and/or advisories is articulated in through a “content review,” which represents,
according to §55200, …a rigorous, systematic process…conducted by faculty to identify the
necessary and appropriate body or knowledge or skills students need to possess prior to enrolling
in a course, or which students need to acquire through concurrent enrollment in a co-requisite
course. All new courses must submit a requisites form in CurricUNET for prerequisites, corequisites, and/or advisories as well as any revised courses that have changes in the prerequisite,
co-requisite, and/or advisory courses. If the prerequisites, co-requisites, or advisories have been
changed, then the course must go through the full review process.
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D. Guidelines for compiling the requisites form in CurricUNET. Requisites of all types should
address the skills and knowledge gained by the student in the requisite course that are necessary
to begin, or enroll in, the target course. The items listed here should be clearly verifiable from the
student learning outcomes, topic outlines, and catalog descriptions between the requisite and target
courses.
• Note: When you are using “Eligibility for” in an advisory, remember that the objectives listed on
the COR of the preparatory course are what the students should be able to do upon completion of
that course. Thus, if you have an advisory of “Eligibility for ENGL 101,” you would actually list
the skills needed to enter ENGL 101, which would be the objectives for ENGL 010.
• Note: Ongoing review of prerequisites and co-requisites. Title 5, §55201 states:
[A]t least once each six years all prerequisites and co-requisites (and once every two years for
prerequisites in career and technical education courses) established by the district shall be
reviewed. These processes shall also provide for the periodic review of advisories on
recommended preparation.
Also, it is important to note that UC requires verification of prerequisites and co-requisites every
five years.
LIMITS ON ENROLLMENT
Title 5 provides that all courses at the college shall be open to enrollment by any student who has
been admitted to the college, but may be limited for specific reasons authorized by Title 5, §58106.
Here are general situations that could require a Limits on Enrollment form:
• Admission to Program.
• Statutory, regulatory or contractual requirements. Enrollment in certain courses is
restricted because of statutory, regulatory or contractual requirements.
• Age limits and possession of a valid driver’s license are common requirements. Note:
The limitation “Must be age 21 or older” requires a Limits on Enrollment designation, but
it is also listed as a prerequisite so that the Admissions and Records system can
automatically block underage students from enrolling
• Tryout or Audition. A limit on enrollment may be tryouts for intercollegiate athletic teams
and auditions for courses involving public performance, such as band, play rehearsals,
forensics, chorus, and dance performance.
• Health and Safety. Course enrollment may be limited for reasons of health or safety. For
instance, a number of Athletics courses require that participants meet a certain standard of
health.
• Note: Title 5 acknowledges that limitations on enrollment may be caused by facility limitations,
faculty workload, the availability of instructors, funding limitations, and the constraints of regional
planning, but these are scheduling constraints and not part of curriculum development. They do
not fit the Limits on Enrollment category.
ASSIGNMENTS
This section demonstrates how students will achieve the student learning outcomes and course
objectives as well as providing important information to instructors, students, transfer institutions, and
the Chancellor’s office. The course outline may specify or give a list of assignments to guide
instructors and yet allow for academic freedom. However, in all cases, the assignments should reflect
the rigor, intensity, and critical thinking required of students.
A. Types of Assignments. The type of assignments includes work expected of students during class
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and outside of class, graded or ungraded, and should be described clearly. Examples of typical
assignment are:
 Homework, such as reading assignments, chapter questions, reports, research, critiques,
papers, projects, drawings, etc.
 In-Class Work, including exercises, class discussions, group work, presentations, exams,
hands-on activities, skill demonstrations, class participation, etc.
 Lab or Field Work, such as laboratory reports, field trip notes, logs, journals, attendances at
performances or activities, etc.
 Formal Assessment, including written exams, quizzes, essay exams, and computational
problem solving.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES AND COURSE OBJECTIVES
The section on student learning outcomes and course objectives is a crucial part of the Course
Outline of Record, for it reflects not only the content, but also the level of rigor, critical thinking,
and specific skill levels of the course. This section informs students, instructors, and
advisors/counselors about course expectations and also communicates to other community
colleges and four-year institutions how the course fulfills prerequisites, program, or transfer
requirements. Furthermore, the list of student learning outcomes and course objectives indicate to
state boards and licensing agencies how an occupational course meets industry standards.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Evaluation is based on measurable outcomes and objectives made available to students in the course
syllabus at the beginning of the course. In this section of the course outline, information of the methods
of evaluation used as a basis for grading assignments, assessing student achievement, and assigning a
final grade course grade will be provided. Methods of Evaluation are expressed as five categories of
assessment: writing, problem solving, skill demonstration, objective exams, and other. Each method
of evaluation with examples listed below is to assist the instructor in selecting the appropriate category.
1. Writing Assignments. This category includes all written assignments and assessments for a course,
except essay-type quizzes and exams. Examples of the types of assessment tool are
 Analysis of readings
 Analytical papers
 Creative writing papers
 Critiques
 Essays
 Evaluative papers
 Field notes
 Lab reports
 Reaction papers
 Reflection papers
 Poetry
 Reports on books, other readings, internet research
 Research papers
 Summaries
 Written homework (journals, notebooks, etc.)
2. Problem Solving. “Problem solving” refers to the logical critical thinking process used to approach
22
problems and at arrive at possible solutions. The process may involve looking for patterns and
recognizing elements that meet consistency and inconsistency with past experience and knowledge.
It includes the ability to brainstorm, break problems down into smaller components, restructure them,
develop alternative approaches, and challenge assumptions. This category applies to all computational
or non-computational problem solving assessment tools. Examples of the types of assessment tools
that might be listed in the “Description” field of the Problem Solving category are
 Analysis of experiments
 Case studies
 Clinical evaluations
 Computational homework
 Homework problems
 Lab reports
 Mathematical proofs
 Projects graded on problem solving
 Scenarios
 Solutions to design problems
 Treatment plans (counseling)
3. Skill Demonstrations. A skill is an ability usually acquired through training and practice. A
“skill demonstration” is a presentation, a performance, or other evidence of the skill/ability learned
in the course and assessed through a set of criteria or standards. All skill and physical
demonstrations, including Performance Exams, would be placed in this category. Examples of the
types of assessment tools that might be listed in the “Description” field of the Skill Demonstrations
category are
 Class performances
 Demonstrations of skills or competencies
 Oral analysis or critique (if graded on skill)
 Speech
 Monologue (acting)
 Oral critique (if graded on skill)
 Performance of dance studies or combinations (dance classes)
 Performance of scenes (Theater Arts)
 Projects (graded on skill demonstration)
 Performance exams
 Poetry recitation
 Presentations (if graded on execution)
 Procedure assessment (Health Science courses)
 Clinical documentation (as in Health Science courses)
 Recital (Music)
 Role-playing
 Skill tests
 Workbook (graded on skill)
 Portfolio
 Designs (Graphics, Landscape, Architecture, etc.)
 Film or Video production
 A meal (Culinary Arts)
 Demonstration of adherence to ethical or professional standards (as appropriate for courses
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with internships)
4. Objective Examinations (Formal Written Testing). This category includes all formal written
testing for a course. Examples of the types of assessment tools that might be listed in the
“Description” field of the Objective Examinations category are
 Essay exams
 Problem solving exams
 Objective examinations (multiple choice, true false, matching, completion, short answer,
etc.)
 Quizzes that include any of the above
 Final examinations that include any of the above
5. Other Methods of Evaluation. Any method for grading that does not fit in the above categories
can be listed here. Common items included in this category that might be listed under "Description"
are
 Attendance and participation (in class activities)
 Special projects or activities that aren't assessed in any of the above categories (portfolios,
group presentations, oral reports, etc.)
 Attendance at field trips, recitals, dance performances, plays, etc.
 Formal collection or compilation of materials
 Oral presentation (if not graded on execution/skill demonstration)
 Required hours (e.g., production hours for Theatre performance classes; clinical hours)
 Professionalism (as appropriate for courses in the performing arts)
Using Multiple Categories. Some assessment tools have multiple components that could fall under
more than one category. You have two options for handling multiple categories
 Determine which category fits the majority of the assessment tool’s form or function and
list the assessment there. For instance, a written research project that may be presented
orally could be counted entirely in the Writing Assignments section.
Or—
 Clearly divide the assignment into separate graded components.
TEXTBOOKS
This section lists the instructional materials used in the course, which may include textbook(s),
instructor prepared material (such as readers or handouts), specific journals or magazines, legal or
government documents, software, web resources (though URLs should be indicated on the
syllabus, not the course outline, since they are subject to change). Since currency is important,
this section requires updating in the Program Review process, even if the rest of the course outline
remains unchanged.
A. Textbook. Instructors may list a text to represent the content and level of the course, but other
instructors may choose to use different comparable texts. When selecting a textbook, keep these
guidelines in mind.
1. Currency. The most current edition(s) of the textbooks used in the course should be
listed. Currency (within 2-3 years) is essential for any course, particularly those involving
current practices or technology. Note: If a text does not have a recent publishing date but
is the book preferred for this course (i.e., considered a classic in the field), please note in
parenthesis “(classic)” after the citation to make it clear to the committee that this edition
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was deliberately selected.
2. Texts for degree applicable courses. Texts must be of college level and cover the theory
and principles of the subject. For transfer level courses, the main text plays a remarkably
strong role in articulation. Texts should be clearly recognized by those in the discipline at
other institutions as a major work that presents the fundamental theories and practices of
the subject.
3. Text Citation Format. Complete information on the text is required, including the title,
author, publisher, and publication date. Works in translation where a specific translator or
edition is desired should also be noted as appropriate. When writing a textbook reference,
please use the following format for clarity and consistency. Name of Text (in Title Case,
not all caps). Edition (if appl.) Author last name, then first name. Publisher: year.
Example:
Introductory Statistics, Exploring the World through Data (1st). Gould, Robert and Ryan,
Colleen. Pearson: 2012
B. Instructor Prepared Materials. Any printed materials created and/or compiled by the instructor,
including handouts, readers, or syllabi, are given one general label: Instructor prepared materials.
C. Special Documents. Special documents or legal codes that are used in a course should be listed.
Since these are frequently updated, use the term “current year” or “current edition” instead of a
particular year.
Example:
Driver Operator Syllabus. State Fire Marshal's Office, Current Edition.
D. Web Resources. List these only if they are to be used consistently across all sections of the
course for several semesters. List by title and do not include the URL.
Example:
RAND California, an Online Source for California and U.S. Statistics
Curriculum Writer’s Handbook 02/19/09 Page 66
DISTANCE EDUCATION CONSIDERATIONS
If a course is to be taught in a distance education format, the course must have a Distance Education
Addendum (available from the Office of Instruction) approved through the college’s curriculumapproval process. This addendum is approved separately (as a separate action item) from the COR.
For more information about distance education standards and expectations at Feather River
College, see the Distance Education Plan, available from the Office of Instruction.
APPROVAL AND DATES
The information in this section is automatically entered by the Office of Instruction as the course
moves through the review and approval process. The dates entered reflect the terms scheduled;
dates the course was submitted and went through the steps of the review process; dates of approval
for the course and any prerequisites or co-requisites; dates of subsequent versions; and dates when
the course may have been inactivated, terminated, or reinstated.
ARTICULATION AND CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
The following fields are described here as informational and the submitter should contact the
Articulation Officer for verification.

Associate Degree: Information about the course’s applicability for the Associate Degree
General Education requirement(s) and effective term.
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




CSU GE: Information about how a CSU transferable course fulfills specific CSU
General Education Breadth Requirements area and effective term.
IGETC: Information about how a UC transferable course fulfills an Intersegmental General
Education Transfer Core requirement and effective term.
CSU Transfer: Indicates whether course is transferable to CSU, and if so, effective term.
UC Transfer: Indicates whether course is transferable to UC, and if so, effective term.
COURSE DELETION
To delete a course will remove it permanently from the college curriculum, i.e., the Outline of
Records file, the College Catalog, and Master Course File.
Procedure for deleting a course:
1. Discuss proposed deletion with discipline members and the Division Chair.
2. Submit proposed deletion via CurricUNET for review and approval.
3. After review, the Dean of Instruction will place request for the deletion on the Curriculum
Committee agenda for discussion and action.
Procedure for reinstating a deleted course:
1. Reinstatement of a deleted course is treated as a new course proposal.
2. Follow the procedure for a new course proposal as outline in Section III of this handbook.
COURSE SUSPENSION/REINSTATEMENT
Courses that have not been offered for several semesters may be suspended from the curriculum.
This will place the course in an "inactive" status but not remove it from the Course Master File. A
course must be brought back into "active" status before it can be offered through the Class
Schedule.
Procedure for suspending a course:
1. Discuss proposed suspension with discipline members and the Division Chair.
2. Submit proposed suspension to the Dean of Instruction for review and approval.
3. After review by the Dean of Instruction, a request for suspension will be placed on the
Curriculum Committee agenda for discussion and action.
Procedure for reinstating a suspended course:
1. Submit proposed course reinstatement to the Dean of Instruction (attach a copy of the most
current course outline).
2. After review and approval by the Dean of Instruction, the request for reinstatement will be
placed on the Curriculum Committee agenda for discussion and action.
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Appendix A: Summary of Articulation Process and Timeline
The Articulation Officer
An Articulation Officer (AO) ensures that the agreements with other colleges and universities
regarding the transfer of credit across institutions are current, appropriate, follow guidelines set by
the CCC, CSU, and UC systems, and are consistent with local campus policies, procedures, and
practices. This includes maintaining FRC course records in the state-wide database (ASSIST),
monitoring changes in the curriculum at FRC so that timely notifications of changes can be posted
in the database, assisting faculty in developing courses so they are more likely to be approved for
transfer credit, monitoring changes in policy that can impact articulation of courses, and notifying
appropriate campus personnel of changes in policies or agreements. The AO serves as the resource
regarding current articulation agreements for curriculum development, advising and counseling,
and catalog publication.
Types of Transfer Agreements
Courses Accepted for Baccalaureate Credit: Transfer agreements can establish the transfer of
only unit credits toward the total units required for graduating at the receiving institution. Courses
may be articulated to satisfy only CSU credit, or CSU and UC credit only. The completion of the
courses does not guarantee what GE or other university credits the courses may satisfy.
GE Breadth Agreements: Courses may be approved as satisfying one or more General Education
Breadth areas that are required for completion of the GE curriculum at the receiving institution.
These include the IGETC pattern (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum).
Completion of the entire IGETC pattern allows the student to be exempt from any additional lowerdivision general education requirements at the majority of California universities. The courses
must be selected from the courses Accepted for Baccalaureate Credit
Lower Division Major Preparation Agreements: These are courses that when completed, satisfy
lower-division requirements for a specific major at the receiving institution. Requirements may
vary according to program. Some transfer programs have been developed to facilitate this type of
articulation, for instance, the CSU Lower Division Transfer Curriculum Program (LDTP). The
LDTP transfer pattern allows students to have highest priority in admissions to the receiving
program. The courses must be selected from the courses Accepted for Baccalaureate Credit.
Course-to-Course (By Department) Agreements: Community Colleges may enter into
agreements with universities for the acceptance of CC courses in lieu of taking a comparable
course at the receiving institution. The courses must be selected from the courses Accepted for
Baccalaureate Credit, and are arranged on a department-to-department basis. The agreements can
include a sequence of courses as well as individual courses. Usually this type of agreement is
arranged between faculty or department representatives at the two institutions with the assistance
of the AO’s. The courses must be selected from the courses Accepted for Baccalaureate Credit.
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Table from the 2009 California Articulation Policies and Procedures Handbook, p. 23
Schedules and Timelines for Articulation Processes
Courses Accepted for Baccalaureate Credit: This is the most basic type of articulation.
Establishing this type of articulation of a course is required for that course to be considered for any
other type of articulation. Whenever a new or course revision is approved by FRC that is eligible
for this type of articulation, the basic course information must be entered into the ASSIST
database. The database is open for additions four times a year.
UC Baccalaureate Credit, UC and CSU GE Breadth, and UC and CSU IGETC Agreements:
The UC operates on an annual cycle with several stages and shares a database with the CSU to
manage the course review process. This shared database is called OSCAR (the Online Services for
Curriculum and Articulation Review system). OSCAR is operated by the ASSIST office and
integrated with the ASSIST database. Basic course information and the course outline must first
be entered into the ASSIST database before it is available for adding detailed information in
OSCAR.
Next, course outline information must be entered into OSCAR, essentially the same information
contained on the FRC Course Outline of Record. All sections must be completed and a check box
indicating it is a complete record must be checked before any review process begins. The AO also
identifies the type of request that is being made (TCA general transferability only, IGETC, Breadth
areas, or CSU-AI). The OSCAR entries must be completed by the end of December of the annual
cycle.
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A course may be approved for general UC transferable credit and not be approved for other types
of credit. The course must be approved for general transferability to be considered for approval to
satisfy additional requirements. Decisions regarding general transferability and LDTP approval
are distributed in late fall. Decisions about the approval of IGETC and CSU Breadth requests are
distributed in April. If rejected for transferability, the OSCAR course record can be modified and
resubmitted for reconsideration in the next annual cycle, or possibly appealed if the decision might
be altered by a clarification of the submitted information. Substantive changes in a course would
need to be approved by the college before being resubmitted for consideration.
The TCA Report is the standard reference for approval of UC general transfer credit and is
distributed to AO’s annually during a designated summer month for that college (July for FRC).
A course listed on the TCA indicates approval for general transferability for UC campuses.
IGETC, UC Breadth, and CSU Breadth requirements that have been approved are also indicated
on the TCA Report.
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